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1Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
Exam practice mark schemes
Chapter 1A1ExaminetheextenttowhichtheUSandUKconstitutionsarewritten
andunwritten. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andcandidateswillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)oftheextenttowhichtheUSandtheUKconstitutionsarewrittenandunwritten:l TheUSConstitutionislargelywrittenandcodified,embodiedintheoriginalseven
Articlesandthesubsequent27amendments.l Manyoftheseprovisionsareaspecificgrantingofpowertothethreebranchesofthe
federalgovernmentorspecificrulesregardinghowgovernmentistooperate.l However,someprovisions,although‘written’,wereleftdeliberatelyvagueandtherefore
opentointerpretationastimepassed.l ThisinterpretationhasbeendonelargelybytheSupremeCourtthroughitspowerof
judicialreview.l Somepartsofthefederalgovernment(e.g.primaryelections,thepresident’scabinet,
theSupremeCourt’spowerofjudicialreview)arenotmentionedanywhereinthewrittenConstitution.
l TheUKConstitution,thoughuncodified,islargelyinwrittenform–inactsofparliament,commonlawandworksofauthority.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingtheextenttowhichtheUSandtheUKconstitutionsarewrittenandunwritten:l Bothconstitutionshavesomewrittenandsomeunwrittenaspects.l Thereforetheissuefocuseson‘theextent’.l Themaindifferenceisincodification.l Thisalsohasimplicationssurroundingentrenchment–theUSConstitutionhasspecific
amendmentprocesses,therebyentrenchingtheprovisionsandrightscontainedwithinit,whiletheUKConstitutionhasnosuchentrenchment.
l SomeadvocatesofconstitutionalreformintheUKhavebackedtheadoptionofawrittenconstitution.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
A2ExaminetheprovisionofdecentralisationintheUSandUKconstitutions. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A2 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)oftheprovisionofdecentralisationintheUSandUKconstitutions:l TheUSConstitutionprovidesfordecentralisationthroughitsfederaldivisionofpowers
betweenthenationalandstategovernments,eachhavingtheirownareasofsubstantivejurisdiction.
l ThisisanappropriatestructureforacountryofthesizeanddiversityoftheUSA.l TheprincipleoffederalismhasevolvedoverthetimesincetheConstitutionwasfirst
written,withasubsequentalteringintherelationshipbetweenthefederalandthestategovernment.
l TheUKConstitutionprovidesfordecentralisationthroughtheconstituentpartsthatmakeuptheUK–England,Wales,ScotlandandNorthernIreland.
l Theprovisionhasbeenmostlyduringthepast40yearsthroughthedevolutionlegislationpassedbytheUKParliament.
l Thishasresultedinthesettingupofdevolvedlegislativeandexecutivebodieswithintheprincipalities.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingtheprovisionofdecentralisationintheUSandUKconstitutions:l Thisdecentralisationhasbeen–andcontinuestobe–thefocusofheatedpoliticaldebate
inboththeUSAandtheUK.l IntheUSAthishasbeenseenintheCivilWar,theprovisionoftheNewDealand
nowadaysindebatesover‘Washingtonpower’versus‘states’rights’.l ThetwomainpartiesintheUSAreflectsharplydifferingviewsinthisdebate.l IntheUKthishasbeenseeninthedevolutiondebatesincethe1970sandnowadays,for
example,inthemovestowardsScottishindependenceanddirectlyelectedcitymayors.l Thedifferenceisinthelevelofsubservienceofthestatestothefederalgovernmentin
theUSAasopposedtothatbetweentheconstituentpartsoftheUKtoWestminster.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
3Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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B1AnalysethesignificantdifferencesbetweentheUSandUKconstitutionsintheirprovisionofchecksandbalances. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andUKpolitics(A01),andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)whenanalysingthedifferencesintheprovisionofchecksandbalancesintheUSAandtheUK:l Theywillgiveadefinitionofchecksandbalances.l IntheUSA,checksandbalancesareprovidedbytheConstitutionmainlyinArticlesIand
II,andintheSupremeCourtpowerofjudicialreview.l ChecksandbalanceswasanunderpinningtheoryfortheframersoftheUSConstitution,
withtheintentionofavoidingonebranchofgovernmenthavingtoomuchpower.l IntheUK,anychecksandbalancesaremoresubtle,hiddenandinformal.l Thisresultsinagreaterconcentrationofpowerinthehandsoftheexecutive,whichalso
politicallycontrolsthelegislature.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingthedifferencesintheprovisionofchecksandbalancesintheUSAandtheUK:l Thesedifferencesreflectthevariouswaysinwhichthetwogovernmentalsystemscame
intobeingandthefearsandaspirationsthathaveshapedthem.l IntheUSAthesedifferenceshaveprovidedformorelimited,checkedgovernment,but
equallymayleadtogridlock.l IntheUKthesedifferenceshaveoftenledtostrong,one-partygovernment.l Thesedifferencesalsohaveimplicationsforthelevelofprotectionaffordedtotherights
ofindividualsandminorities.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingstructuraltheory:l IntheUSA,the‘separateinstitutions,sharingpowers’leadtostrongerchecksand
balances.l IntheUK,thedoctrineof‘fusionofpower’,especiallybetweentheexecutiveandthe
legislature,leadstoweakerchecksandbalances.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingculturaltheory:l IntheUSA,theculturalsettingoftheWarofIndependenceandtheneedtosafeguard
fromanautocraticexecutiveprovidedtheincentiveforchecksandbalances.l IntheUK,theculturalsettingoflandedgentryandanhereditarymonarchyprovideda
disincentiveforchecksandbalances.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
B2AnalysethedifferencesbetweentheUSandUKconstitutionsintheirprovisionofdemocraticparticipation. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B2 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)whenanalysingthedifferencesbetweentheUSandUKconstitutionsintheirprovisionofdemocraticparticipation:l adefinitionofdemocraticparticipationl theprovisiontheUSConstitutionmakesfordemocraticparticipationintheelectionofthe
presidentandvicepresidentandbothhousesofCongressl thefrequencyofandfranchisefortheseelectionsl theprovisiontheUKConstitutionmakesfordemocraticparticipationintheelectionofthe
HouseofCommons,plusdevolvedlegislativeandexecutivebodiesandreferendums.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingthedifferencesbetweentheUSandUKconstitutionsintheirprovisionofdemocraticparticipation:l theprogressintheprovisionofdemocraticparticipationineachcountrythrough
constitutionalamendment(USA)andActsofParliament(UK)l thesignificantdifferencesinthelevelsofparticipationprovided,especiallyinthedirect
electionofthepresidentintheUSAand(eventually)ofbothhousesofCongressl thatonlyintheUKarenationalreferendumsprovidedforandthatonlyintheUSAare
directprimariesused(thoughthisisnotaconstitutionalprovision).
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingculturaltheory:l IntheUSA,therewasafoundationalbasisoftheneedfordemocraticparticipationas
areactiontotheautocraticmonarchicalrulefromGreatBritainandthishasexpandedquickly.
l IntheUK,thecultureofgovernmentdominatedbyanhereditarymonarch,alandedaristocracyandanestablishedchurchhasmademovementtowardsgreaterdemocraticparticipationmoredifficult.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingstructuraltheory:l IntheUSA,thesurvivaloftheElectoralCollegecanbeseenasthwartingdemocratic
participationattimes.l IntheUK,themake-upandstructureofthesecondchamberthwartsdemocratic
participation.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
5Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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C1EvaluatetheextenttowhichtheUSConstitutionprovidesadequatelyforongoingamendment. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C1 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)oftheprocessprovidedbytheUSConstitutionforongoingamendment:l theprocesseslaiddowninArticleVandasevidencedbythe27amendmentspassed
since1789l knowledgeofthoseprocesses,includingtheroleplayedbyCongressl theroleplayedbythestatesl examplesofsomeofthesignificantamendmentspassedsince1789l examplesofsomeproposedamendmentsthathavenotbeenagreedtol theneedfortheSupremeCourt’spowerofjudicialreviewtomakeinterpretative
amendments(notformallyprovidedforbytheConstitution).
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l Amendmentsonawiderangeofissueshavebeensuccessfullyproposedandratified
overthepastcenturies.l TherebytheConstitutionhasbeensuccessfullyandappropriatelyupdatedregardingsuch
issuesastheextensionofthefranchisetowomenand18-to21-year-olds,therightsandlibertiesofminorities,theroleofthefederalgovernment,directelectionoftheSenate,presidentialtermlimits,anddisability.
l ThewaytheConstitutionhaspermittedinterpretativeamendmentthroughtheSupremeCourt’spowerofjudicialreviewmakesformalamendmentlessnecessary.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l Entrenchedminoritieshavebeenabletothwartmovestowardsconstitutional
amendmentbecauseoftherequirementforsuper-majoritiesinbothproposingandratifyingconstitutionalamendments,thisbeingespeciallytrueintheSenate,andtheneedforthree-quartersofthestatelegislaturestoratifyproposedamendments.
l Itisextremelydifficulttosuccessfullyproposeandratifyamendments.l TheSupremeCourt’spowerofjudicialreviewandtherebythemakingofinterpretative
amendmentsareincompatiblewithademocraticgovernmentgiventhelackofaccountabilityoftheCourt.
l Someamendments(e.g.Prohibition)havebeenpasseddespitethestringentrequirementsforproposalandratification.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
C2Evaluatetheextenttowhichthestatesaredominatedbythefederalgovernment. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C2 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)oftheprocessoftheconstitutionalrelationshipbetweenthestatesandthefederalgovernment:l adefinitionoffederalisml theconstitutionalprovisionsregardingthefederal–staterelationshipandhowthesehave
changedl theroleplayedbytheSupremeCourtinchangingthefederal–staterelationshipl theSupremacyClause,reservedandconcurrentpowers–andhowthesesetthefederal–
staterelationshipl waysinwhichthefederalgovernmenthascometodominatethestatesinsuchareasas
education,welfare,healthcare,electorallaw,housing,energy,etc.l thethingsthatonlythefederalgovernmentcando,suchasnationaldefenceandsecurity,
immigrationl theareasofconcurrentpowers(e.g.taxation),whichtherebytendtoavoiddominationby
thestatesfromWashington.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l TherelationshipbetweenWashingtonandthestateshaschangedfromoneof
cooperationtooneofdomination.l Thishasbeenbroughtaboutbyconstitutionalamendment,actsofCongressand
decisionsoftheSupremeCourt.l Significantareasofpolicywhichusedtobetheprerogativeofthestateshavebecome
moreandmoretheprerogativeofthefederalgovernment,therebyenablingWashingtontodominatethestates.
l Thefinancial,taxandbudgetarybalanceofpowerhasswungsignificantlyfromthestatestoWashington.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l Changesthathavecomeaboutinthefederal–staterelationshiphavebeennecessary
giventhechangesinthenationandthegrowthincomplexityandexpenseofmanypolicyareas.
l Thestates’representationinCongress(especiallyintheSenate)meansthattheWashingtongovernmentisstilllargelycontrolledbythestatesandtheirrepresentatives.
l Thesignificantpowersstillvestedinstategovernmentsareseenintermsofthestatesaslaboratoriesofreformandinnovationandthepoliticalstatureof(especiallybigstate)governors.
l ThestateshaveprovidedenergeticoppositiontosomeofthepoliciesofbothpresidentsObamaandTrump.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
7Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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esChapter 2A1ExaminethewaysinwhichtheUSSenateandtheUKHouseofLords
differ. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthewaysinwhichtheUSSenateandtheUKHouseofLordsdiffer:l Senateiselected;HouseofLordsmembersareappointed.l Senatehasequallegislativepowerwithlowerchamber;Lordshaspoweronlytoadvise
anddelay.l Senatehassignificantexclusivepowers(confirmationofappointments;ratificationof
treaties);Lordsdoesnot.l Senatehassix-yearterms;Lordshasnolimitsonterm.l Senateisdominatedbyonlytwoparties;Lordshassignificantnumbersofcross-
benchers.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingtheextenttowhichthewaysinwhichtheUSSenateandtheUKHouseofLordsdiffer:l Thesesignificantdifferenceshaveanumberofimportantconsequencesandeffects,
namely:l SenateismorepartisanthantheLords.l SenateismorepowerfulthantheLords.l Senateisseenasapossiblesteppingstonetohigheroffice(e.g.president,vice
president,bigstategovernorship)whiletheLordsmoreoftenisseenaspoliticalretirement.
l SenatehasmoredemocraticlegitimacythantheLords.l SenateismorethefocusofpressuregroupactivitythantheLords.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
A2ExaminethewaysinwhichtheUSCongressandtheUKParliamentpasslegislation. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A2 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthewaysinwhichCongressandParliamentpasslegislation:l InCongress,thetwochambershaveequalpowers;inParliament,theHouseofCommons
dominates.l InCongress,muchlegislationisinitiatedbyindividualmembers;inParliament,the
governmentdominatesthelegislativeagenda.l InCongress,thecommitteestagecomesbeforethemainfloordebate;inParliament,it
comesafterwards.l InCongress,thecommitteestageisdealtwithbyapolicyspecialistcommittee;in
Parliament,thecommitteestageisdealtwithbymorepolicygeneralistcommittees.l InCongress,legislationoftenrequiresaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesin
twoversionsofthesamebill;inParliament,thetwohousesconsideronlyonebill.l Congresshasthepowertooverrideavetofromtheexecutive;Parliamenthasnosuch
power.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingtheextenttowhichthewaysinwhichCongressandParliamentpasslegislationdiffer:l Thesesignificantdifferenceshaveanumberofimportantconsequencesandeffects,
namely:l ThelegislativeprocessisoftenlongerandmorecomplicatedinCongressthanin
Parliament.l ThechancesofabillpassingintolawaremuchlessinCongressthaninParliament.l GridlockismuchmorelikelyinCongressthaninParliament.l IttendstobeharderforthepresidenttogethislegislationthroughCongressthanfor
theprimeministertogethis/herlegislationthroughParliament.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
9Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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B1AnalysethewaysinwhichtheUSCongressandtheUKParliamentperformtheiroversightfunction. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthewaysinwhichtheUSCongressandtheUKParliamentperformtheiroversightfunction:l knowledgeandunderstandingofwhattheoversightfunctionsofCongressand
Parliamentare–relatingtothepoliciesandactionsoftheexecutivebranchl additionallyintheUSSenatetheconfirmationofappointmentsandratificationoftreatiesl thewaysinwhichthisfunctionofoversightisperformed–inCongressthroughstanding
andselectcommitteesaswellasthroughtheimpeachmentandtrialprocess;inParliamentthroughselectcommittees,QuestionTime,theLiaisonCommittee,earlydaymotions,policydebates,votesofnoconfidence.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenanalysingthewaysinwhichtheUSCongressandtheUKParliamentperformtheiroversightfunction:l Thesesignificantdifferenceshaveanumberofimportantconsequencesandeffects,
namely:l OversightinCongressisconductedalmostexclusivelyinthecommitteerooms
becauseoftheabsenceoftheexecutivebranchfromthefloorofbothhouses;inParliamentboththechamberandcommitteeroomshaveanimportantoversightrole.
l OversightinCongressisthoughttobemoreeffectivewhenthechambermajorityisnotcontrolledbythepresident’sparty;inParliamenttheprimeministerlargelycontrolstheoversightmachinery.
l InCongress,individualmembersoftheexecutivebranchcanberemovedbyimpeachmentandtrial,butnotthewholeadministration;inParliamentthegovernmentasawholecanfallifitlosesavoteofnoconfidenceintheHouseofCommons.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingstructuraltheory:l Congressisdominatedbytheseparationofpowers,resultingintherebeingnoexecutive
branchmemberspresentonthefloorofeitherchamber.l Congressisgivenconfirmationpowerovernumerouspresidentialappointments.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
B2AnalysethewaysinwhichmembersoftheUSHouseofRepresentativesandtheUKHouseofCommonsperformtheirrepresentativefunction. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B2 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthewaysinwhichmembersoftheUSHouseofRepresentativesandtheUKHouseofCommonsperformtheirrepresentativefunction:l adefinitionoftheconceptofrepresentation(aswellasdifferentmodelsof
representation)andthewaysmembersperformthisfunction,including:l votingonlegislationonthefloorofthechamberl membershipofandparticipationinstandingcommitteesofparticularrelevanceto
constituents(USHouse)l lobbyingexecutivedepartmentsandagenciesl performingconstituencycaseworkl engagementwithconstituentsthroughmeetings,surgeries,etc.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenanalysingthewaysinwhichmembersoftheUSHouseofRepresentativesandtheUKHouseofCommonsperformtheirrepresentativefunction:l MembersoftheHouseofRepresentativesmayregardconstituentrepresentationas
beingofahigherprioritythandomembersoftheCommons.l FrequencyofelectionistwoyearsintheHouseofRepresentatives,fiveyearsinthe
HouseofCommons.l ThereisapossibilityofachallengeinaprimaryforUSHousemembers.l PartyplaysalesserroleinvotingintheHouseofRepresentativesthanintheparty-
whippedsystemsintheHouseofCommons.l USHousemembersaremorelikelytohavealongstandinglinkwiththeirconstituency
thandoUKMPs.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingstructuraltheory:l frequencyofelectionsl levelsofpartydiscipline.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingtherationalchoicetheory:l Tryingtoenhanceone’schancesofre-selectionandre-electionwillprobablybehigherin
themindsofmembersoftheHouseofRepresentativesthaninthemindsofmembersoftheHouseofCommons.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
11Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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C1EvaluatetheextenttowhichtheSenateismorepowerfulandprestigiousthantheHouse. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C1 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofwhatmakestheSenatemorepowerfulandprestigiousthantheHouse:l Senatorsrepresenttheentirestateandservelongerterms.l Senatorsaremorelikelytoholdaleadershipposition.l Asenatoris1ofonly100.l Senateisseenasarecruitingpoolforthevicepresidencyandthepresidency.l Senatepossessessignificantexclusivepowers.l Bothhouseshaveequalpowerinthepassageoflegislation.l Bothhousesmustapprovetheinitiationofconstitutionalamendments.l Bothhousesconductoversightoftheexecutivebranch.l Bothhousesmustvotetooverrideapresidentialveto.l Membersofbothhousesfulfilarepresentativefunction.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l ThewaysinwhichtheSenateismoreprestigiousandpowerfuloutweighthewaysin
whichtheyareequal.l Thisisespeciallythecasewhenitcomestotheconfirmationofnumerousappointments
–bothexecutiveandjudicial–overwhichtheHousehasnopoweratall.l ThefactthatHousememberssofrequentlyseekelectiontotheSenateshowsthatthe
Senateisregardedasmoreprestigious.l ThegreaterprestigeoftheSenatebringsgreaternamerecognition.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l Exceptfortheconfirmationofappointmentsandratificationoftreaties,thereislittleor
nothingthattheSenatecandowithouttheagreementoftheHouse.l TheHouseinitiatesallmoneybills.l Conferencecommitteereportsmustbeagreedbybothhouses.l MostHousemembersdonotseekelectiontotheSenatebutregardtheHouseasa
significantandpowerfulinstitutioninitsownright.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
C2EvaluatetheextenttowhichCongressisaneffectivelegislativebody. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C2 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthewayinwhichCongresseffectivelyperformsitslegislativefunction:l theoutlineofthelegislativeprocessinitsmainstagesinbothhousesl thewaysmembersofCongressengagewiththeprocessthroughvotesonthefloorof
thechamber,participationincommitteehearings,possibleparticipationinconferencecommittees
l theamountoflegislationintroducedintoCongressasagainstthenumberofbillsthatareactuallypassedintolaw
l thepotentialroadblockstotheeffectiveperformanceofCongress’slegislativefunctionl powerofstandingcommitteechairstoblocklegislationl poweroftheHouseRulesCommitteetoobstructlegislationl thefilibusterintheSenate,andtheneedforasuper-majoritytoenditl theequalpowerspossessedbybothhousesmakingagreementmoredifficult.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l Thedifficultandcomplicatedlegislativeprocessisanassetforeffectivelegislatingas
itweedsoutbillsthatfailtocommandstrongmajoritysupportinbothhouses,therebynotallowingrashorill-consideredlegislation,orlegislationsupportedonlybyavocalminority,topass.
l EffectivenesscanbemeasuredinthatCongresspassingonlyasmallpercentageofallthebillsintroducedisintunewiththeconstitutionalprincipleoflimitedgovernment.
l Powerofstandingcommitteesenhancesdetailedandeffectivescrutinyoflegislationbecausecommitteememberstendtobepolicyspecialists.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l ThesmallproportionofbillsthatsuccessfullypassesthroughCongressisatestimonyto
ineffectivenesscausedbypartisan-inspiredgridlock.l Whenthetwochambersarecontrolledbydifferentparties,effectivelegislatingis
extremelydifficultaseachchamberwilllikelybeworkingtoadifferentpolicyagendaandseekingdifferentpolicyoutcomes.
l IncreasedpartisanshipinCongressinrecentyearshasmadeCongressevenlesseffectiveasalegislativebody.
l Thenumberofbigticketpolicyissuesthatremainunresolved(e.g.guncontrol,immigrationreform,healthcare)isatestimonytotheineffectivenessofCongress.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
13Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
Exa
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esChapter 3A1ExaminethewaysinwhichtherolesandpowersoftheUSpresident
andtheUKprimeministeraredifferent. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)oftherolesandpowersoftheUSpresidentandtheUKprimeminister:l Thepresidentiselectedaspresident;theprimeministeronlyaspartyleader.l Thepresidentisbothchiefexecutiveandheadofstate;theprimeministerisonlychief
executive.l Thepresidenthaslimiteddirectpowersinthelegislativeprocess;theprimeminister
drawsupthelegislativeagenda.l ThepresidentappointsfellowexecutivememberssubjecttoSenateconfirmation;the
primeministerhasnosuchformalchecksonhis/herpower.l ThepresidenthasalargeEXOP;theprimeministerhasasmallNumber10andCabinet
Officestaff.l Thepresidenthasanumberofmeansbywhichhecanpursuepolicyunilaterally;the
primeministerdoesnot.l Thepresidentislimitedtotwotermsinoffice;noformallimitexistsontheprime
minister’stenure.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingthewaysinwhichtherolesandpowersoftheUSpresidentandUKprimeministeraredifferent:l Thepresidentisaffordedgreaterpowerandinfluencebyhisdirectelection,havinga
popularnationalmandate.l Alsobyhisbeingheadofstateaswellaschiefexecutive,affordinghimtheroleofa
nationalrepresentativeandfigurehead.l Hislargestaffenhanceshisroleandinfluenceinpolicymaking.l Thepresidentheadsasingularexecutive,notacollectiveexecutive.l Buttheprimeministerhaspotentiallymuchmorecontroloverlegislationthandoesthe
president.l Theprimeministerismuchlessshackledinchoosinghis/hercabinet.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
A2ExaminethedifferencesintherelationshipthattheUSpresidentandtheUKprimeministerhavewiththeirrespectivelegislatures. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A2 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)oftherelationshipbetweentheUSpresidentandtheUKprimeministerandtheirrespectivelegislatures:l Thepresidentisnotamemberofthelegislature;theprimeministerisaservingMP.l ThepresidentdelivershislegislativeprogrammetoCongressinperson;themonarch
deliversthespeechsettingoutthelegislativeprogrammeinParliament.l ThepresidentissubjecttoanumberofspecificchecksbyCongress,includingthe
confirmationofhiscabinet(bytheSenate);theprimeministerfacesnosimilarformalchecksinParliament.
l Thepresident’spartymaycontrolneitherchamberinCongress;theprimeministerisleaderofthelargestpartyintheHouseofCommons.
l Thepresidentissubjecttoimpeachment,trialandremovalbyCongress;theprimeministerandtheirgovernmentmayfalliftheyloseavoteofconfidenceintheHouseofCommons.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingtherelationshipbetweentheUSpresidentandtheUKprimeministerandtheirrespectivelegislatures:l Thesesignificantdifferenceshaveanumberofimportantconsequencesandeffects,
namely:l ThepresidentcannotbepersonallyquestionedinCongress;theprimeministeris
subjecttoaweeklyhalf-hourQuestionTimeintheHouseofCommons.l Thepresidentwillnotfallbecauseoffailuretogethislegislativeprogrammethrough
Congress.l ThepresidentmustbargainwithCongressonlegislation,appointments,etc.inorder
towinvotes;theprimeministercanmorereadilyrelyonpartyvotestogettheirwayinParliament.
l Presidentsmayhavenocongressionalexperience(e.g.Clinton,Trump)whereasprimeministerswillusuallyhavehadaquitelengthyspellofserviceinboththeHouseofCommonsandthe(shadow)cabinet–thisaffectstheirrespectiveunderstandingofhowtheinstitutionworks.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
15Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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B1AnalysethedifferentwaysinwhichtheUSpresidentandtheUKprimeministerappointtheircabinets. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthewaystheUSpresidentandtheUKprimeministerappointtheircabinets:l MembersoftheUSpresident’scabinetcannotbeservingmembersofCongress;
membersoftheUKcabinetwillbeservingmembersofParliament.l MembersoftheUSpresident’scabinetmustbeconfirmedbyasimplemajorityvoteinthe
Senate;membersoftheUKcabinetfacenoconfirmationprocess.l TheUSpresidenttriestoappointacabinetthatisbalancedintermsofgender,raceand
age;theUKprimeministermayfacefewerpressuresto‘balance’theircabinet.l TheUSpresidentcanfirehiscabinetatwillwithoutfearthattheywillbecomepolitical
rivals;theUKprimeministerwillbecautiousoffiringhigh-profilecabinetcolleagueswhomaybecomethefocusofdiscontentonthebackbenches.
l TheUSpresidentwillneedtolooktonumerouspoolsofrecruitmentforhiscabinet(e.g.stategovernment,academia,policyspecialists);theUKprimeministerprincipallyrecruitsfromtheirpreviousshadowcabinet.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenanalysingthewaysinwhichtheUSpresidentandtheUKprimeministerappointtheircabinets:l Thesesignificantdifferenceshaveanumberofimportantconsequencesandeffects,
namely:l Thepresidentisnot‘firstamongequals’inhiscabinet,ratherallexecutivepower
isgrantedtohimbytheConstitution;theprimeministermustoperatewithinaframeworkofcollectiveresponsibility.
l Thepresident’scabinetmembersarenothispoliticalrivals,theywillnotexpecttobecomepresident;theprimeminister’scabinetmembersarehis/herpoliticalrivalsandoneofthemisalmostcertaintoreplacetheprimeministershouldhe/shefalter.
l Thepresidentcanusethecabinetmeetingaslittleashewishesandmayignoremembers’advice;theprimeministerneedstofollownormaletiquetteinthecallingandrunningofmeetings.
l Thepresident’scabinetwilloftenbestrangerstohimandhewillseethemrarelyoutsideofformalmeetings;theUKcabinetismadeupofclosecolleagueswhoseeeachotherregularlyduringParliament’sworkingday.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingstructuraltheory:l TheUSpresident’scabinetisdeterminedbythestructureofseparationofpowerswithin
whichitmustoperate;alsoofasingularexecutivewithallexecutivepowervestedinthepresident.
l TheUKcabinetisdeterminedbythestructureofthefusionofpowersbetweentheexecutiveandthelegislature;alsoofapluralexecutiveoperatingonthebasisofcollectiveresponsibility.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
16
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
B2AnalysethedifferentwaysinwhichtheUSpresidentandtheUKprimeministerareheldaccountablebytheirrespectivelegislatures. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B2 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthewaysinwhichtheUSpresidentandtheUKprimeministerareheldaccountablebytheirrespectivelegislatures:l TheUSpresidentisheldaccountablebyCongressprincipallythroughtheinvestigative
andscrutinyfunctionsofstandingandselectcommittees.l Althoughtheycannotquestionthepresidentinperson(exceptunderhighlyexceptional
circumstances),theycaninvestigatehispoliciesandscrutinisehisactionsandthoseofhisadministration.
l TheUSpresidentisalsoheldaccountablespecificallybytheconfirmationprocessofappointments(Senate),theratificationoftreaties(Senate)andtheimpeachmentprocess.
l TheUKprimeministerisheldaccountabletoParliamentontheflooroftheHouseofCommonsthroughQuestionTime,policydebatesandthetablingofearlydaymotions.
l TheUKprimeministerisalsoheldaccountabletoParliamentthroughtheworkofselectcommittees,theLiaisonCommitteeandvotesofnoconfidence.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenanalysingthedifferentwaysinwhichtheUSpresidentandtheUKprimeministerareheldaccountablebytheirrespectivelegislatures:l Thesesignificantdifferenceshaveanumberofimportantconsequencesandeffects,
namely:l TheUSpresidentisheldaccountablemorethroughhisadministrationofficialsrather
thanbyCongressdirectlyquestioninghim;buttheUKprimeministerissubjecttoregular,personalquestioning,whichmakesaccountabilitypotentiallymoreeffective.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingstructuraltheory:l TheUSpresident’scabinetisdeterminedbythestructureofseparationofpowerswithin
whichitmustoperate;alsoofasingularexecutivewithallexecutivepowervestedinthepresident.
l TheUKcabinetisdeterminedbythestructureofthefusionofpowersbetweentheexecutiveandthelegislature;alsoofapluralexecutiveoperatingonthebasisofcollectiveresponsibility.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
17Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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C1Evaluatetheextenttowhichthepresidentissubjecttoeffectivechecks. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C1 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthevariouschecksonthepresident:l checksbyCongress,includingitspowertoamend,delayorrejectthepresident’s
legislativeproposals;overrideveto;amendbudget;refusetoconfirmappointmentsorratifytreaties(Senateonly);powersofinvestigationandimpeachment
l checksbytheSupremeCourt,includingdeclaringthepresident’sactionsunconstitutional;rulingonimmunityfromprosecution
l checksbythefederalbureaucracy,publicopinion,pressuregroups,stategovernments,theelectorate.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l Thechecksmaybemademoreeffectivebytheotherinstitutionsandgroupsusingtheir
powerseffectively.l ThechecksbyCongressmaybemoreeffectiveifoneorbothhousesarenotcontrolledby
thepresident’sownparty.l Thechecksmaybemoreeffectiveinapresident’ssecondterm,ifthepresidentwas
electedonanarrowmandate,ifhispublicopinionratingsarelow.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l ThechecksbyCongressmayturnintomere‘rubberstamping’,especiallyifbothhouses
ofCongressarecontrolledbythepresident’sparty.l Thechecksmaybelesseffectiveifthepresidenthasbeenelectedbyasizablemajorityof
thepopularvoteand/orenjoyshighpublicapprovalratings.l Someoftheconstitutionalchecksonthepresident(e.g.regardinguseoftroopsabroad)
maybeinstitutionallyineffective.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
18
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
C2Evaluatetheextenttowhichthepresident’scabinetplaysasignificantrolewithintheexecutivebranch. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C2 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthepresident’scabinet:l adefinitionofthecabinetl thecabinetasindividualsandasacollectivityl thenominationandappointmentprocessl theworkofcabinetmembersinrunningtheexecutivedepartmentsandliaisingwith
Congressonlegislationrelevanttotheirdepartmentsl thefactthatallexecutivepowerisvestedinthepresidentbyArticleIIl theregularity(orotherwise)ofcabinetmeetingsl thefunctionofcabinetmeetings.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l Thecabinetcontainssomepeoplewhoholdpowerfulpositionswithintheexecutive
branchandareresponsibleforsubstantialbudgetsandrunhugebureaucracies.l Sometop-tiercabinetmembers(e.g.secretariesofstateanddefense,attorneygeneral)
maybehighlyinfluentialinpolicymakingandmayseethepresidentindividually.l TheirroleinliaisingwithCongressandpilotinglegislationthroughthetwochambersis
asignificantone–especiallyiftheirpolicyareaisuppermostinthepresident’spolicypriorities.
l Somepresidentsholdfrequent,regularandsignificantcabinetmeetings.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l Cabinetofficersrunninglower-tierdepartmentsmayseelittleofthepresidentandhave
littleinfluencewithintheadministration.l Cabinetmeetingscanturnintosomewhatboringandmeaninglesseventswherelittleof
substanceisdiscussed.l Thereisnocollectiveresponsibility;intheend,allexecutivepowerisvestedinthe
president.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
19Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
Exa
mp
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ice
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esChapter 4A1ExaminethedifferencesbetweentheUSandUKSupremeCourtsin
termsofmembershipandtenure. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthemembershipandtenureoftheUSandUKSupremeCourts:l numberofmembers:US9(thoughthishasvariedsince1789);UK12l namesofoneortwocurrentmembersl howappointed:US–bythepresidentwiththeadviceandconsentoftheSenate;UK–bya
selectioncommission,whichmakesarecommendationtotheLordChancellorl tenure:US–lifetenure;UK–mustretireat70or75dependingonwhenfirstappointedto
judicialofficel removal:US–onlybyimpeachment(House)andbeingfoundguiltyintrial(Senate);
UK–onlybypetitiontothemonarchbybothhousesofParliament.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingthedifferencesbetweenthemembershipandtenureoftheUSandUKSupremeCourts:l TheUSAhasanoddnumberofjusticesasallhearallcases;thereforeitislesslikelyto
haveadeadlockedcourt;UK:only5–11justiceshearanyparticularcase.l TherequirementofformalconfirmationintheUSSenatebothaffectswhoisnominated
andinvitespossiblerejections(e.g.Bork)andwithdrawals(e.g.Miers).l Itisalsoimportanttorememberthatpresidentmayfaceamajorityfromtheopposition
partyinSenate.l Lifetenure(US)versusmandatoryretirement(UK)clearlyelevatestheinfluenceofUS
justices,whomayremainontheCourtfordecades.l Bothremovalprocessesarehighlyunlikelytobeused,butthethreatcouldleadto
resignations.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
20
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
A2ExaminetheroleplayedbyjudicialreviewintheUSandUKSupremeCourts. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A2 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofjudicialreviewintheUSandUKSupremeCourts:l adefinitionofjudicialreviewintheUSAl adefinition/understandingofjudicialreviewandultra vires intheUKl anunderstandingofthereasonsforthesedifferencesl someexamplesofwhenthesepowershavebeenused.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingthedifferencesinjudicialreviewintheUSandUKSupremeCourts:l whatimplicationsthesedifferenceshaveforthepoliticalimportanceofeachcourtl howthisrolerelatestothedebateconcerningjudicialactivisml howthisrolerelatestothedebateconcerningjudicialindependence.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
21Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
Exa
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B1AnalysethedifferencesintheoriginsoftheUSandUKSupremeCourts. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)oftheoriginsoftheUSandUKSupremeCourts:l IntheUSA:
l ArticleIIIoftheConstitution–intermsofthepowersandmembershipoftheUSSupremeCourt
l howitfittedintotheprincipleofseparationofpowers,separationofpersonnell theframerscreatednootherfederalcourts–thoughthesewerealmostimmediately
createdbyCongressl theframers,increatingtheCourt,didnotspecificallygrantitthepowerofjudicial
review.l IntheUK:
l theCourtwascreatedin2009byActofParliamentl itspredecessorwastheAppellateCommitteeoftheHouseofLordsl itspowersandmembership.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenanalysingthedifferentoriginsoftheUSandUKSupremeCourts:l thesignificanceofwhenandhoweachcameaboutl thesignificanceoftherelationshipsofeachCourtwiththeirrespectivelegislatureand
executivel whatthedifferentoriginstellusaboutthedifferentsocietiesinwhichtheywerecreated.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingstructuraltheory:l Theoriginsofbothcourtsreflectthedifferentgovernmentalstructuresofeachcountry
relatingtoseparationofpowers,checksandbalances.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingculturaltheory:l Theoriginsofbothcourtsreflectthedifferentculturalbackgroundsofeachcountry
relatingtothepositionofthejudiciarywithinculturalhierarchies.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
22
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
B2AnalysethedifferencesinthewaysinwhichmembersoftheUSandUKSupremeCourtsareappointed. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B2 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthewaysinwhichmembersoftheUSandUKSupremeCourtsareappointed:l IntheUSA:
l nominatedbythepresident;confirmedbyasimplemajorityvoteoftheSenatel involvementofthemedia,pressuregroups,politicalpartiesl vacanciesoccuronlythroughdeathorvoluntaryretirementofsittingjustices.
l IntheUK:l nominatedbyanindependentbody–theJudicialAppointmentsCommissionl candidatesrecommendedtotheLordChancellorforappointmentl vacanciesoccurthroughdeathormandatoryretirementbroughtaboutbyagelimit.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenanalysingthedifferentwaysinwhichmembersoftheUSandUKSupremeCourtsareappointed:l thepoliticisednatureoftheappointmentprocessintheUSAl theinvolvementofpoliticians(president,senators)l votingonconfirmationofnomineeshasbecomemuchmorepartisanl thepoliticalneutralityoftheappointmentprocessintheUKl noinvolvementofpartypoliticiansl nopublichearingsorvotingl thustheappointmentprocessesreflectthenatureofthecourtsthemselves.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingstructuraltheory:l Theappointmentprocessesarereflectiveofthedifferentgovernmentalstructuresof
eachcountryrelatingtoseparationofpowers,checksandbalances.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
23Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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C1EvaluatetheextenttowhichtheSupremeCourthasquasi-legislativepowers. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C1 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)oftheSupremeCourt’squasi-legislativepowers:l anunderstandingthatthisquestionrelatestotheSupremeCourt’spowerofjudicial
reviewl adefinitionofjudicialreviewl anunderstandingoftheterm‘quasi-legislativepowers’l arangeofrecentexamplesofcasesthatcouldbesaidtosuggestthattheSupreme
Courthassuchpowers–concerning,forexample,abortionrights,guncontrol,thedeathpenalty,gaymarriage
l thewaythisrelatestothedebatesconcerningjudicialactivismandjudicialrestraint,aswellasstrictandlooseconstructionandtheideaofalivingConstitution.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l TheeffectofmanydecisionsoftheCourtisalmostasifanewlawhasbeenpassed.l Thisquasi-legislativepowermeansthatmanycometoseetheCourtanditsmembersas
beinginsomewayspoliticisedbecausetheyaredecidingcontroversialissuesregardingsocietythatareoftenatthecentreofelectioncampaignsandofthedebatesbetweenthetwomajorparties.
l TheextenttowhichthisisanaccurateviewoftheCourtwilldependpartlyonone’sviewsofthepolicyareasbeingdecided.
l ThisisalegitimateroleoftheCourtinreinterpretinga‘livingConstitution’.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l ThechecksontheCourtstopitfrombecomeaquasi-legislativebody.l TheCourtisindependentandnotsubjecttothekindofpoliticalpressureassociatedwith
alegislativebody.l TheCourtmakesdecisionsbasedonlegalandconstitutionalargumentsasjudges,noton
politicalconsiderationsaslegislators.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
24
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
C2EvaluatetheextenttowhichthenominationandconfirmationprocessofSupremeCourtjusticeshasbeenpoliticised. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C2 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthenominationandconfirmationofSupremeCourtjustices:l thewayvacanciesmayoccurl theconsultationthatprecedesthepresident’sannouncementofanomineel theconsiderationsthepresidentislikelytohaveinmindinchoosinghisnomineel thehearingsinfrontoftheSenateJudiciaryCommitteel thefloordebateandfinalvotel withdrawalsanddefeats.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l Thenominationprocesshasbeenpoliticisedbythepresidentinthecriteriausedfor
choosingcandidates.l TheconfirmationprocesshasbeenpoliticisedbytheSenateJudiciaryCommitteeinthe
partisanwayitconductsboththehearingandtherecommendatoryvote.l TheconfirmationprocesshasbeenpoliticisedbythefullSenateinthewayitdebatesand
votesonthenominee.l Theprocesshasbeenpoliticisedbythemediaandbypressuregroups.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l Presidentshavealwaystakencompatiblejudicialphilosophyintoconsiderationinmaking
SupremeCourtnominationsandthisinitselfdoesnotpoliticisetheprocess.l Giventhepowerofthejusticesandthekindsofdecisionstheymake,focusingon
controversialpolicyareasdoesnotofitselfpoliticisetheprocess–onecouldarguethattheCourt,inthatsense,hasalwaysbeenpolitical.
l Chargesofpoliticisationcansometimesbeacoverforthosewhomerelydisapproveofthenominee.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
25Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
Exa
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esChapter 5A1Examinetherolepressuregroupsplayintheprotectionofrightsin
theUSAandtheUK. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andthiswillbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofrightsandthemeansbywhichtheyareprotectedintheUSAandtheUK:l definitionofandexamplesofpressuregroups,especiallyNAACP,ACLUl definitionofandexamplesofrightsl intheUSA,pressuregroupstrytobringinfluenceonlegislature,executivebutmost
especiallythejudiciaryl intheUSA,pressuregroupsmaylegallyandfinanciallysupportthebringingofpotentially
landmarkcasestotheSupremeCourtforitsrulingl theymayalsosubmitamicus curiae briefstothecourtsl alsoengageinbuildingpublicsupportl intheUK,pressuregroupstrytobringinfluenceonParliament,relevantgovernment
departmentsand(recently)thenewSupremeCourt.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingtherolepressuregroupsplayintheprotectionofrightsintheUSAandtheUK:l IntheUSA,thereismuchmorefocusonthejudiciarythanintheUKbecauseofthepower
ofjudicialreview.l Theymightofferashortcasestudyin,forexample,rightsconcerninggender,race,
equality,freedomofspeech,sexuality,etc.l Successwillbedeterminedbyanumberofvariablessuchasfinancialbacking,the
balanceofpublicopinion,strengthofcountervailinggroups,accesstothemedia,etc.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
B1AnalysethedifferencesbetweenthewaysinwhichrightsareprotectedintheUSAandtheUK. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andthiswillbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthewaysinwhichrightsareprotectedintheUSAandtheUK:l definitionofrightsl examplesofrightsthatmayneedprotection,e.g.thoserelatingtogender,race,equality,
sexualityl themeansbywhichrightsareprotected:through,forexample,theconstitution,
legislation,actionbytheexecutivebranch,courtdecisions.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenanalysingthedifferentoriginsoftheUSandUKSupremeCourts:l IntheUSA,avarietyofwayshavebeenusedtoprotectrightswithvaryinglevelsof
effectiveness:theConstitutionprotectedsomesignificantrightsintheBillofRightsandinlateramendments;theSupremeCourtbecameactivefromthe1950sasdidthepresident,andCongresssoonfollowed.
l TheSupremeCourthasbeenthemostwidelyusedmechanismfortheeffectiveprotectionofrightsinrecentdecades.
l IntheUK,Parliamenthasbeenattheforefrontoftheeffectiveprotectionofrightswithlegislationconcerningequalpay,genderdiscrimination,racialdiscrimination,disabilityrights,freedomofinformation,etc.–thoughnotalllegislationhasprovedeffective.
l Inthelastdecade,thenewlyformedUKSupremeCourthasalsotakenonthisrole.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
27Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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C1EvaluatetheextenttowhichdecisionsoftheSupremeCourthaveweakenedaffirmativeactionprogrammesintheUSA. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C1 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofaffirmativeactionprogrammesandthefunctioningoftheSupremeCourt:l definitionofaffirmativeactionl areasofpolicyinwhichitismostoftenused:education,housing,employmentl thefunctioningoftheSupremeCourtandespeciallyinitsuseofitspowerofjudicial
reviewl examplesofdecisionsoftheSupremeCourtrelatingtoaffirmativeactionprogrammes,
suchas:Gratz v Bollinger, Grutter v Bollinger, Parents Involved v Seattle, Fisher v University of Texas.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l ThemajorityviewoftheCourtmaychangeasthemembershipchanges,resultingina
changeinthejudicialphilosophyoftheCourt’smajority.l Somejusticesmaycometodifferentconclusionsondifferentcasesatdifferenttimes,
especiallyswingjusticeAnthonyKennedy.l IssuestheCourthastriedtoaddressfocusonsuchmattersashow‘mechanical’or
‘tailored’theaffirmativeactionprogrammeis.l Alsoaddressedissuesofreversediscriminationand‘strictscrutiny’.l Generallyspeaking,moreconservative,strictconstructionistjusticesmayseekto
weakenaffirmativeactionprogrammes.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l Generallyspeaking,moreliberal,looseconstructionistjusticesmayseektosupport
affirmativeactionprogrammes.l Alsosomedecisionsthatmightappeartoweakensuchprogrammeswereverynarrowin
theirscope.l Evensomesupportersofsuchprogrammesagreethattheyoughttohaveadesignated
shelflife.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
Chapter 6C1Evaluatetheextenttowhichpresidentialprimariesareimportant.[30]
Question number Indicative content
C1 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofpresidentialprimaries:l definitionofpresidentialprimaryl functionsofprimariesl typesofprimariesl scheduleofprimaries.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l Theyaretheonlymeansbywhichcandidatesnowadayscanwintheirparty’spresidential
nomination.l Theyaretheonlymeansofwinningtherequirednumberofdelegatestosecurethe
presidentialnomination.l Theyattractalargeamountofmediacoverage.l Theycanincreasenamerecognition,boostpollratingsandtherebyhelpdrawinmore
money.l Theyareasignificantweeding-outprocess.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l Theyoftenmerelyconfirmwhathasalreadybeendecidedintheso-calledinvisible
primary.l Theintra-partyTVdebatesmaybeagreaterdeterminantofvotersupportthanthe
primariesthemselves.l Voterturnoutisoftenlowandunrepresentative.l Nationallyknown,well-fundedcandidatesdominatetheprimariestosuchanextentthat
itcallsintoquestionwhetherprimariesareanylongeranimportantpartoftheprocess.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
29Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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C2EvaluatetheextenttowhichtheElectoralCollegeisinneedofreform. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C2 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)oftheElectoralCollege:l adefinitionoftheElectoralCollegel abriefexplanationofhowtheElectoralCollegeworks,includingthewayvotesare
allocatedtothestates;thenumberrequiredtobeelectedpresident;thewinner-take-allprincipleinmoststates
l anexampleofafinalresultintheElectoralCollegefromarecentelection.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l becauseofthepossibilityofthepopularvoteloserbeingelectedpresident(e.g.2000,
2016)l becauseofrogue/faithlessElectorsl becauseoftheunfairnesstonationalthirdpartiesl becauseoftheprocessshouldnocandidatereceivetherequiredoverallmajority.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l becausethereisnoagreementastobetteralternativesl becausesomeoftheproposedreformsmightevenmakethesystemworsel becausemostsubstantivereformwouldrequireaconstitutionalamendment,which
wouldbealmostimpossibletoachievel becausethecurrentsystemdoeshavecertainstrengths.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
Chapter 7A1ExaminethewaysinwhichtheimportanceofthirdpartiesintheUSA
andtheUKdiffers. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthirdparties:l whatconstitutesathirdpartyl examplesofthirdpartiesl differenttypesofthirdpartiesl levelofelectoralsupportenjoyedbythirdpartiesintheUSAandtheUKl levelsofsupportenjoyedbythirdpartiesinCongressandParliament.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingthedifferencesbetweenthemembershipandtenureoftheUSandUKSupremeCourts:l TheimportanceofthirdpartiesintheUSAislimited–atfederal,stateandlocallevel.l Thepercentageofthevotewoninanyelectionisusuallyverysmall(thoughtherearea
fewexceptions).l Rarelydotheywinalegislativeseat.l Theironlyimportancecanbeasaspoiler,orasapurveyorofpolicieswhichmaybe
adoptedbyamajorparty.l TheimportanceofthirdpartiesintheUKcanbesubstantial.l Thethirdpartyformedacoalitiongovernmentin2010–15.l Theycanwinsubstantialproportionsofthevoteinvariouselections.l However,FPTPmakesitdifficultforthemtowinparliamentaryseats.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
31Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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A2ExaminethefactorsthatenhancethepowerofpressuregroupsinelectionsinboththeUSAandtheUK. [12]
Question number Indicative content
A2 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics(AO1)andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofpressuregroups:l definitionofapressuregroupl types,functionsofpressuregroupsl examplesofpressuregroupsl politicalactioncommitteesintheUSAl theeffectsofcampaignfinanceregulationsl thewaypressuregroupsoperateduringelections:electioneeringandcandidate
endorsement.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenexaminingthedifferencesbetweenthemembershipandtenureoftheUSandUKSupremeCourts:l thewaypressuregroupsactivelysupportoropposecandidatesduringelection
campaignsl theywillaimtheirresourcesatkeymarginal/winnableseatsl anexaminationofsuchfactorsassizeofmembership,amountofmoneyavailable,the
balanceofpublicopinion,strengthofcountervailinggroups,abilitytoaccessthemedia.
Candidates who refer to only one constitution cannot achieve beyond Level 1.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
B1AnalysethedifferencesinpartysystemsintheUSAandtheUK. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B1 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofpartysystemsintheUSAandUK,whichmayinclude:l dominant-partysystemsl two-partysystemsl multipartysystemsl theextenttowhichtheUSA–atfederal,stateandlocallevel–isatwo-partysysteml theextenttowhichtheUKhasmovedfromatwo-partysystemtoamultipartysysteml examplesofvoteshareinelectionsinbothcountries,aswellasseatshareinthe
respectivelegislatures.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenanalysingthedifferentoriginsoftheUSandUKSupremeCourts:l TheUSAhasatwo-partysysteminwhichthetwomajorpartiesdominatepoliticsatall
levels.l Thisislargelybecauseoftheelectoralsystemandtheflexibilityofthetwomajorparties
toreflectdifferentregionalideologies.l Alsoprimariesmakesthepartiesmoresusceptibletochange.l TheUKnowhasamultipartysystem,certainlyintermsofvotescastbutalsointermsof
legislativeseatswon(thoughintermsofcontroloftheexecutiveatWestminster,itstillhasalargelytwo-partyarrangement).
l ThisislargelybecauseofdifferentelectoralsystemsandtheincreasedsignificanceofnationalisminScotland,WalesandNorthernIreland,aswellastheriseofUKIPinEnglandbetween2005and2015.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingculturaltheory:l thechangingcultureoftheUKregardingindependence/devolutionforScotland,Wales
andNorthernIrelandl thechangingcultureoftheUKregardingBritain’srelationshipwiththeEUandtheriseof
UKIP.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingrationalchoicetheory:l votersmayactinarationalsense,choosingtovoteforacertainpartyoutofself-interest
andasthebestwayofachievingtheirpoliticalgoals.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
33Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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B2AnalysethedifferencesintheopportunitiesforpressuregroupstoinfluencethejudiciaryintheUSAandtheUK. [12]
Question number Indicative content
B2 AO1 (6 marks), AO2 (6 marks)
ThisquestionrequirescandidatestodrawontheirknowledgeandunderstandingofUSandUKpolitics,includingcomparativetheories(A01),andtheywillusethistounderpintheiranalysis(AO2).AO2requirescandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofpressuresgroupsandthejudiciaryintheUSAandUK:l typesofpressuregroupsl functionsofpressuregroupsl methodsusedbypressuregroupsl examplesofpressuregroupsl thepowerandroleofthejudiciaryintheUSAandtheUKl therolesoftherespectiveSupremeCourtsineachcountry.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalyticalpoints(AO2)whenanalysingthedifferentopportunitiesforpressuregroupstoinfluencethejudiciaryintheUSAandtheUK:l roleofpressuregroupsintheUSAintheirattempttoinfluencejudicialnominations,
especiallythosetotheSupremeCourt,includingABAratingsl roleofpressuregroupsintheUSAintheirattempttoinfluencejudicialdecisionsthrough
amicus curiae briefingsl roleofpressuregroupsintheUSAinhelpingtobringpotentiallylandmarkcasestothe
SupremeCourt–especiallyroleofNAACPandACLUl lesserroleforpressuregroupsintheUKbecausethejudiciaryislesspolitically
significantl noestablishedmethodoflobbyingtheUKSupremeCourtgiventhatitwasformedonlya
decadeagol judiciaryintheUKmustoperatewithinthedoctrineofparliamentarysovereigntyand
withoutacodifiedconstitution–thislimitspotentialroleofpressuregroupsregardingthecourts.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingstructuraltheory:l thedifferentconstitutionalstructuresresultindifferentopportunitiesforpressure
groupstoinfluencethejudiciary–greaterandmoresignificantopportunitiesintheUSA;fewerandlesssignificantopportunitiesintheUK.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowingwhenanalysingrationalchoicetheory:l theself-interestedwaypressuregroupsseekinfluenceinordertoenhancetheinterests
oftheirmembers.
Candidates who refer to only one named country cannot achieve beyond Level 1. Candidates who do not make any comparative theory points cannot achieve beyond Level 3.
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Exam practice answers and quick quizzes at www.hoddereducation.co.uk/myrevisionnotesdownloads
C1EvaluatetheextenttowhichthirdpartiesintheUSAalwayslose. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C1 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofthirdparties:l typesofthirdpartiesl examplesofthirdpartiesl thedifficultiesthatthirdpartiesface,especiallyregardingtheelectoralsystem,electoral
law,lackofresources,lackofmediaaccess,co-optationofpoliciesbymajorparties.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l intermsofvotescast,thirdpartiesalmostalwayslose–examplesfrompresidentialand
congressionalracesl intermsoflegislativeseats,especiallyinCongress;onlyso-calledthird-partywinners
areusuallycloselyalliedtoorevenformermembersofoneofthetwomajorpartiesl first-past-the-postandwinner-take-allmeanthatthirdpartydefeatisalmostalways
inevitable.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l Althoughthey‘lose’numerically,theymightalsobeinfluential.l Inaverycloserace,athird-partycandidatecanbecomeeitherthekingmakerorthe
spoiler.l Fromtimetotime,policiesthatthirdpartiesespousewillgainwidespreadsupport
amongtheelectorate,butone(orboth)ofthetwomajorpartieswillthenoftenco-opttheirpoliciesinordertowinbacktheirvoters.
l TheexampleofRossPerot’ssuccessin1992,buthisquickdemisein1996and2000.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.
35Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: US Politics
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C2EvaluatetheextenttowhichpressuregroupsareanecessaryevilintheUSpoliticalsystem. [30]
Question number Indicative content
C2 AO1 (10 marks), AO2 (10 marks), AO3 (10 marks)
AO1willbeusedbycandidatestounderpintheiranalysis(AO2)andevaluation(AO3).AO2andAO3requirecandidatestodeveloptheiranswers,showinganalyticalandevaluativeskillstoaddressthequestion–suchresponseswillbeunderpinnedbytheiruseofknowledgeandunderstanding.
Candidatesmaydemonstratethefollowingknowledgeandunderstanding(AO1)ofpressuregroups:l definitionofapressuregroupl pluralistversuselitisttheoryl typesofpressuregroupsl functionsofpressuregroupsl methodsusedbypressuregroupsl successofpressuregroups.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhenagreeingwiththeview:l Therearetwoissuesthatneedtobediscussed:‘necessary’and‘evil’.l Pressuregroupsarenecessarytoademocracycanbesupportedthroughtheargument
infavourofapluralistsysteminwhichgroupsrepresentingwidelydifferinginterestsandpositionscancompeteforpoliticalpowerandinfluence.
l Pressuregroupsarenecessarytoaggregateandgivevoicetospecificinterestsofvarioussocietalgroupsthatotherwisewouldnotbeheard.
l Unlikeparties,pressuregroupsseekto‘campaign’notjustatelectiontime.l Thattheyare‘evil’suggeststheyhaveinsomewaycorruptedthedemocraticprocess,
usually,itissuggested,bybuyinginfluenceandthroughcosyrelationshipswithpoliticalelites,orhavingunequalinfluenceinagivenpolicyarea.
Candidatesmayrefertothefollowinganalytical(AO2)andevaluative(AO3)pointswhendisagreeingwiththeview:l ofthecontraryview:thattheyarenot‘necessary’–thatdemocracycouldfunctionwell
(better?)withouttheml becausetheytendtoargueforthespecialinterestoverthepublicinterestl equally,onecouldwellsuggestthattheyarenot‘evil’inthattheygivelegitimatevoiceto
citizens’concernsl thatpressuregroupinfluenceisrightlylinkedtothedegreeofsupportanyparticular
interestcommandswithinsocietyasawhole.
Candidates must consider both views in their answers in a balanced way. The judgement a candidate reaches about these views should be reflected in their conclusion. Candidates who have not considered both views in a balanced way cannot achieve marks beyond Level 2.